Pakistan to Join First Gaza Board of Peace Summit in Washington

By Shahzad Paracha :

Pakistan is expected to participate in the first-ever summit of the Gaza Board of Peace, diplomatic sources told the media on Sunday, in a move reflecting Islamabad’s growing diplomatic engagement on the Gaza crisis.

Sources said the inaugural meeting is scheduled for February 19 and will be chaired by US President Donald Trump. Pakistan has received an official invitation, and although a formal announcement is still pending, officials indicated that the country is likely to be represented at a senior level, either by the prime minister or the deputy prime minister.

The summit will reportedly centre on the deteriorating situation in Gaza, with discussions focusing on restoring stability, maintaining ceasefire arrangements, expanding humanitarian access and outlining a longer-term strategy for post-conflict recovery.

Officials familiar with the process said Pakistan views its participation as part of its wider effort to support peace initiatives and address the humanitarian emergency facing the Palestinian population. Islamabad has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted delivery of aid and a political settlement based on international law and UN resolutions.

Pakistan continues to support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Diplomatic sources believe the summit will offer Pakistan an opportunity to present its position directly to influential global stakeholders and advocate collective international action to prevent further civilian suffering and regional instability.

The Gaza Board of Peace was formally launched last month in Davos on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, where Pakistan joined as a founding member. The initiative was originally announced by President Trump last year and is designed as a flexible diplomatic platform for peace-building and reconstruction in conflict zones.

Although initially focused on Gaza’s rebuilding after the Israel-Hamas conflict, the board’s mandate has since expanded to cover other regions facing instability.

One of the key goals of the Washington meeting is expected to be fundraising for Gaza’s reconstruction. Countries seeking permanent membership are required to make financial contributions to the initiative.

More than 20 states have joined the board so far, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, the UAE, Indonesia, Argentina and Hungary. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has confirmed his attendance, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also expected to be in Washington around the same time for separate engagements.

Officials said the board aims to function as a long-term international mechanism focused on conflict prevention, humanitarian response and sustainable peace-building.